Norway to propose stricter asylum rules

Immigration Minister Sylvie Listhaug told public broadcaster NRK the measures, which would need parliamentary approval, include restrictions on who can get refugee status in Norway.

Currently Norway awards refugee status to a wider group of people than those considered refugees under U.N. standards. For example, Norway also awards asylum to people who would be at risk of the death penalty in their home countries.

Listhaug said the measures would “make it less attractive” for asylum-seekers to come to Norway.

Refugee rights advocates said the rules would be a blow to people from conflict zones seeking shelter in Norway.

More than 30,000 people have applied for asylum this year in Norway, one of the world’s richest countries.